Dorsiflexion contracture after the Weil osteotomy: results of cadaver study and three-dimensional analysis

For metatarsalgia caused by a dislocated lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and isolated over-long lesser metatarsals, surgical treatment options without sacrificing the joint are limited. Recently, the Weil osteotomy has been advocated for the treatment of this deformity. In our experience, preliminary results with this technique have revealed a high rate of dorsiflexion contracture of the MTP joints at follow-up. We performed a cadaver study and a three-dimensional analysis on sawbones to investigate this phenomenon. In the cadaveric portion of this study, the second MTP joints of two fresh-frozen cadavers were dissected; the entire ray, with the metatarsal shaft, MTP joint, toe, and plantar fascia, was removed en bloc. After gross anatomic structures were photographed, a Weil osteotomy was performed at 25 degrees relative to the long axis of the metatarsal shaft. The positions of muscles, ligaments, and tendons were noted and photographed before and after the osteotomy. In the sawbones portion of this study, a Weil osteotomy was performed at four different angles (25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, and 40 degrees) relative to the long axis of the metatarsal. To ensure reproducibility, the sawbone models were fixed proximally to a vertical milling machine with the second metatarsals inclined 15 degrees to simulate the anatomic position. After making the cut, the plantar fragment was translated along the dorsal fragment proximally for a distance of 5 mm. Before and after the osteotomy, selected x, y, and z coordinates were obtained using a Microscribe 3D digitizer. Data analysis was performed with Microsoft Excel, and ANOVA was used to determine significant differences (p < 0.05) between the various osteotomies. Analysis of the cadaver dissection revealed that after the Weil osteotomy, the tendons of the interosseous muscles move dorsally with respect to the axis of the MTP joint due to the depression of the plantar fragment of the metatarsal. The loss of their flexion effect on the joint permits the pull of the extensor to dorsiflex the toe. The size of the depression for the various osteotomies averaged: 25 degrees osteotomy, 3.03 mm (range, 1.8 to 3.8 mm); 30 degrees osteotomy, 3.2 mm (range, 1.9 to 4.0 mm); 35 degrees osteotomy, 3.5 mm (range, 1.7 to 5.7 mm); and 40 degrees osteotomy, 4.2 mm (range, 2.8 to 6.4 mm). Amounts of shortening relative to the long axis of the metatarsal for the various osteotomies averaged: 25 degrees osteotomy, 5.03 mm (range, 4.77 to 5.30 mm); 30 degrees osteotomy, 4.59 mm (range, 3.47 to 5.19 mm); 35 degrees osteotomy, 4.27 mm (range, 2.87 to 5.00 mm); and 40 degrees osteotomy, 3.65 mm (range, 3.20 to 4.31 mm). According to our analysis, depression of the plantar fragment always occurs after a Weil osteotomy. This depression changes the center of rotation of the MTP joint, and the interosseous muscles then act more as dorsiflexors than as plantarfexors.

The effect of static traction and orthoses in the treatment of knee contractures in preschool children with juvenile chronic arthritis: A single-subject design

OBJECTIVE

External applied devices are sometimes used in the treatment of persistent knee contractures in juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). This study examined the effect of static night traction and orthoses on passive and active extension range of motion (ROM) in preschool children with JCA.

METHOD

A single-subject design was used, comparing the outcome of periods without intervention (A) with that of periods with intervention in the form of traction and orthoses (B). Five patients, 3 girls and 2 boys, participated. Active and passive extension ROM was measured weekly. The data were examined by visual inspection of trend, slope, and mean level in each period.

RESULTS

Greater improvement in both active and passive extension ROM was seen in the B periods than in the A periods. The intervention was not observed to have any negative effects on the children.

CONCLUSION

Static night traction may be a useful supplement to physiotherapy and medication to reduce knee flexion contractures in small children with JCA. The effect of the orthoses was difficult to evaluate because they were used for an insufficient time.

Accuracy of soft tissue balancing in total knee arthroplasty

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the accuracy of balancing of the flexion and extension gaps in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Measurements of the heights of the flexion and extension gaps were obtained during 104 consecutive primary, posterior-stabilized TKAs in osteoarthritic patients. Clinically, all knees appeared to be well balanced intraoperatively. Rectangular flexion and extension gaps almost always were obtained within 1 mm (84%-89%). None of the knees was >3 mm from being perfectly rectangular. Equality of the flexion and extension gaps was more difficult to obtain (47%-57% were within 1 mm). With meticulous attention, perfect soft tissue balance is not always achieved in TKA.

The outcome of Erb's palsy when the decision to operate is made at 4 months of age

Since the establishment of the obstetrical brachial plexus clinic in Saudi Arabia, the author has designed a prospective study in which the indication for brachial plexus surgery in infants with Erb's palsy was the lack of active elbow flexion against gravity at 4 months of age. Forty-three infants were included in the study and were distributed among four groups: group A (n = 20) included infants who had active elbow flexion at the initial assessment or at 2 months of age; group B (n = 9) included infants who had active elbow flexion at 3 months of age; group C (n = 11) included infants who had active elbow flexion at 4 months of age; and group D (n = 3) included infants who did not have active elbow flexion at 4 months of age. At the final follow-up, all children in group A demonstrated complete spontaneous recovery of the motor power of the limb. All children in group B also had satisfactory spontaneous recoveries, and none required secondary corrective procedures. Five of the 11 patients in group C had satisfactory spontaneous recoveries. The remaining six children in group C had good recovery of elbow flexion but a poor recovers of shoulder function. Finally, all three patients who did not have elbow flexion at 4 months of age (group D) underwent surgical exploration and reconstruction of the brachial plexus, using nerve grafts. The results of this prospective study are discussed, along with the controversial issue regarding the timing of primary plexus surgery in Erb's palsy.

Arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty

Six total knee arthroplasties in five patients were revised because of persistent limited motion after the primary arthroplasty. All of the revised implants were of an appropriate size and not malpositioned. No cause of stiffness was identified other than soft tissue contracture. Four of the components were posterior cruciate retaining and two were posterior cruciate substituting. Heterotopic bone formation was observed in two knees before the revision surgery and five knees after the revision surgery. Arc of motion was increased from 36 degrees (range, 20 degrees-70 degrees) before revision surgery to 86 degrees (range, 70 degrees-110 degrees) after revision surgery. What triggers the proliferation of extensive scar tissue formation in patients with arthrofibrosis is not clear. Some patients may be predisposed to this condition or may have it develop as a response to the surgical trauma and postoperative rehabilitation. However, when arthrofibrosis does develop after total knee arthroplasty, some improvement in motion and pain can be achieved with revision surgery.

[Functional gait adaptations in patients with painful hip]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This prospective study was conducted to analyze the mechanisms of gait compensation in patients with painful hip and to search for correlations with preoperative clinical and radiographic findings.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Optoelectronic and multicomponent force-plate datas were used to calculate joint motion, moments and intersegmental forces for 26 patients with unilateral hip pain and 20 normal age and sex-matched patients. Height was similar in the two groups but mean weight in the study group (83 kg) was greater than in the controls (68 kg). The preoperative Harris score was 53 in the study group and 16 patients had a permanent flexion contracture of the knee (mean 15 degrees, range 5-30 degrees). Radiographically, there were 22 cases of osteo-arthritis hip disease and 4 cases of necrosis.

RESULTS

Gait analysis showed a significant 0.66 +/- 0.06 m (12 p. 100) reduction in step length. Patients who had severe hip pain walked with a decreased dynamic range of motion (18 +/- 5 degrees, p<0.0001) with a curve reversal as they extended the hip. They also reduced dynamic range of motion of the knee and ankle. Patients who presented a reversal in their dynamic hip range of motion had a greater passive flexion contracture and a greater loss in range of motion during gait than those with a smooth regular pattern (p<0.0001). Patients with hip pain walked with significantly decreased external extension, adduction, and internal and external rotation moments (p<0.0001). They also unloaded the ipsilateral knee and ankle. The decreased hip extension moment was significantly correlated with an increased level of pain (p<0.0001). There was no correlation with radiological findings.

DISCUSSION

Reversal of dynamic hip range of motion was interpreted as a mechanism to increase effective hip extension during stance phase through increased anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with painful hip walked with a manner that was asymmetric. These gait modifications were related to hip limitation in passive motion and pain. Patients with flexion contracture adopted a compensatory gait mechanism. This study confirms relation between hip pain and forces across the hip joint.

Clinical and molecular genetic spectrum of autosomal dominant Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy due to mutations of the lamin A/C gene

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is characterized by early contractures of the elbows and Achilles tendons, slowly progressive muscle wasting and weakness, and life-threatening cardiomyopathy with conduction blocks. We recently identified LMNA encoding two nuclear envelope proteins, lamins A and C, to be implicated in the autosomal dominant form of EDMD. Here, we report on the variability of the phenotype and spectrum of LMNA mutations in 53 autosomal dominant EDMD patients (36 members of 6 families and 17 sporadic cases). Twelve of the 53 patients showed cardiac involvement exclusively, although the remaining 41 all showed muscle weakness and contractures. We were able to identify a common phenotype among the patients with skeletal muscle involvement, consisting of humeroperoneal wasting and weakness, scapular winging, rigidity of the spine, and elbow and Achilles tendon contractures. The disease course was generally slow, but we observed either a milder phenotype characterized by late onset and a mild degree of weakness and contractures or a more severe phenotype with early presentation and a rapidly progressive course in a few cases. Mutation analysis identified 18 mutations in LMNA (i.e., 1 nonsense mutation, 2 deletions of a codon, and 15 missense mutations). All the mutations were distributed between exons 1 and 9 in the region of LMNA that is common to lamins A and C. LMNA mutations arose de novo in 76% of the cases; 2 of these de novo mutations were typical hot spots, and 2 others were identified in 2 unrelated cases. There was no clear correlation between the phenotype and type or localization of the mutations within the gene. Moreover, a marked inter- and intra-familial variability in the clinical expression of LMNA mutations exists, ranging from patients expressing the full clinical picture of EDMD to those characterized only by cardiac involvement, which points toward a significant role of possible modifier genes in the course of this disease. In conclusion, the high proportion of de novo mutations together with the large spectrum of both LMNA mutations and the expression of the disease should now prompt screening for LMNA in familial and sporadic cases of both EDMD and dilated cardiomyopathy associated with conduction system disease.

Both dermal matrix and epidermis contribute to an inhibition of wound contraction

Contracture is a major detriment to functional recovery from large wounds. To determine the relative value of dermal replacement and epidermal coverage in inhibiting wound contraction, five full-thickness wounds (all 5 x 5 cm2) were placed on the back of 8 swine and treated in the following manner: (1) open wound, (2) porcine acellular dermis (analogous to AlloDerm for human use), (3) porcine acellular dermis with epidermal autograft placed 7 days postwounding, (4) porcine acellular dermis with immediate epidermal autograft, and (5) conventional-thickness autograft. Scar dimensions and punch biopsies were taken at days 14 and 30 postwounding. The planimetry results demonstrated that wound contraction was significantly greater with the open wounds (group 1) than all other wounds with a dermal substitute. Furthermore, wounds with initial epidermal coverage had significantly less contraction than unepithelialized wounds (14.8 +/- 1.1 cm2 at day 14 in wound group 2 vs. 20.4 +/- 0.6 cm2 in wound group 4; p < 0.05). Biopsy results revealed that wounds with initial epithelial coverage had the least amount of inflammation. These findings suggest that both dermal matrix and epidermal coverage contribute to an inhibition of wound contraction and that prompt epithelial coverage appears to impede contraction by reducing inflammation.

Isolated finger flexion: a novel form of focal neuromyotonia

Two almost identical elderly women are described who presented with gradually progressive painless involuntary flexion of the ring and middle fingers over 12 months, leading eventually to contractures. The flexion deformity persisted during sleep and was the sole neurological abnormality. Both patients had advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and were on long term salbutamol and oxygen. Neurophysiological studies indicated that this was due to neuromyotonia mainly involving flexor digitorum superficialis muscles without evidence of underlying peripheral neuropathy, proximal conduction block, or generalised neuromyotonia. Voltage gated potassium channel antibodies were negative. The clinical and neurophysiological picture remained static over a 2 year follow up period. It is suggested that this is a novel form of acquired focal neuromyotonia and speculate both on its cause and distribution.

Contribution of thixotropy, spasticity, and contracture to ankle stiffness after stroke

OBJECTIVES

Increased resistance to stretch of muscles after stroke may be the result of centrally mediated neural factors such as spasticity or local, peripheral factors such as muscle contracture or thixotropy. The aim was to investigate evidence for an abnormal thixotropic response and compare this with two other factors-contracture and spasticity-which could potentially contribute to muscle stiffness after stroke.

METHODS

Thirty patients with stroke whose calf muscles were assessed clinically as stiff and 10 neurologically normal subjects were recruited. To measure thixotropy, their calf muscles were stretched through two cycles after two prestretch conditions: one in which the muscles were maintained in a shortened position and one in which they were maintained in a lengthened position. Spasticity was defined as the presence of tonic stretch reflexes in relaxed muscles. Contracture was defined as being present when maximum passive ankle dorsiflexion fell at least 2 SD below the mean value of the control subjects.

RESULTS

Both controls and patients with stroke exhibited a thixotropic response but this was no greater in the patients than the controls. About one third of the patients displayed muscle contracture and most exhibited spasticity. Contracture made a significant contribution (p=0.006) to the clinical measure of calf muscle stiffness while spasticity made a significant contribution (p=0.004) to the laboratory measure of calf muscle stiffness.

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring thixotropy at the level of joint movement was sufficiently sensitive to determine the thixotropic response in both neurologically normal subjects and patients impaired after stroke. The thixotropic response was not higher than normal after stroke, suggesting that whereas thixotropy may produce enough immediate resistance to impede movement in those who are very weak, it is not a substantial contributor to long term muscle stiffness. Contracture did significantly contribute to muscle stiffness, supporting the importance of prevention of contracture after stroke. Spasticity contributed to muscle stiffness only when the limb was moved quickly.

Effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on viscoelasticity of the contracted knee joint: comparison with whirlpool treatment in rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) with sham and whirlpool treatment on the contracted knee joint in rat.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight Wistar rats were operated on to immobilize knee joint, and 1 week after operation they were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: laser 40 mW (3.9 W/cm2), laser 60 mW (5.8 W/cm2), whirlpool (42 degrees C), and sham laser. Tunable Ga-Al-As semiconductor (810 nm) laser was used for another 2 weeks of treatment. Removing and preparing bilateral hind legs, degree of knee contracture was assessed by measuring the knee flexion angle, weight of the gastrocnemius muscle, and periarticular connective tissue viscoelasticity measuring phase-lag and stiffness.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Laser irradiation showed no significant changes except the phase-lag of laser 60 mW. Under the conditions of this study, LLLT stimulation did not provide a significant effect for minimizing the degree of experimental joint contracture over whirlpool treatment.

Minicore myopathy in children: a clinical and histopathological study of 19 cases

Minicore myopathy is a congenital myopathy characterized by multifocal areas of degeneration in muscle fibres. Genetic heterogeneity expected on the basis of clinical variability awaits further resolution. We reviewed 19 cases in order to further delineate the phenotype. Marked hypotonia was the predominant presenting feature, with evidence of antenatal onset in 30% of cases. Weakness was most pronounced axially and proximally, often more severely affecting the shoulder girdle. Mild facial involvement was frequent. Varying degrees of scoliosis were obvious in all patients older than 10 years. In addition, two patients who were also the most severely affected had complete external ophthalmoplegia. One patient showed marked distal involvement. Respiratory failure developed in half of all patients after 10 years of age and correlated strongly with the degree of scoliosis. Cardiac involvement occurred mainly secondary to respiratory impairment. The course appeared static in most cases. Loss of independent walking was observed only in one case at the age of 10 years. On ultrasound scan, differential involvement within the quadriceps was documented in several patients. Variability in fibre size, type 1 predominance and atrophy with occasional type 2 hypertrophy were prominent but nonspecific histological changes. Apart from typical minicores, a marked increase in internal nuclei was the most prominent histological feature. With the exception of one family in which two generations were affected, inheritance appeared autosomal-recessive or sporadic in all cases.

A randomized comparative study of two methods for controlling Tendo Achilles contracture in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A 30-month prospective randomized study of 27 Scandinavian boys with confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy was done to compare the effect of passive stretching combined with the use of night splints (group A) or passive stretching (group B) on the evolution of Tendo Achilles contractures. Assessments were based on the methodology of Scott et al. (Muscle Nerve 1982;5:291-301)Analysis of the pattern and mechanism of dropout was done to eliminate bias between the two groups. Logistic regression showed that Tendo Achilles contracture was the most important variable (P=0.0020) for dropout. Methods of statistical analysis for longitudinal data avoiding induced serial correlations were used in the analysis. The expected annual change in Tendo Achilles contracture was found to be 23% less in group A than in group B after equalization for total muscle strength (%MRC).

Follow-up study after treatment of knee flexion contractures in spina bifida patients

Knee flexion contractures in spina bifida patients are seen in all levels of paralysis. The majority is encountered in children with thoracolumbar lesions. Positional deformation, spinal reflex activity, fractures around the knee joint and a weak quadriceps are the main causes of the flexion deformity of the knee. One hundred and forty-five knee flexion contractures in 80 children have been treated between 1980 and 1995; 15 with unilateral contracture, 65 with bilateral involvement. The age at the time of correction in 38 patients with thoracolumbar lesions was between 24 months and 11 years (average, 7.7 years). In 42 patients with sacral or lumbosacral lesions, the age at the time of correction was between 10 and 19 years (average, 16.3 years). Associated surgery was mainly carried out on hip flexors, adductors and triceps surae. Complete posterior release was practiced in thoracolumbar lesions including posterior capsulotomy and release of the posterior cruciate ligament. In lumbosacral lesions, the lengthened tendons are sutured to prevent flexor weakness in the postoperative course. Vascular and neurologic structures are spared. Postoperative serial casts are helpful to achieve full extension without vascular or skin troubles. The long-term results were very good in 59 patients with 106 knees, good in 16 patients with 29 knees, and unsatisfactory in 5 patients with 10 knees. Slow deterioration years after surgery can be anticipated. The main causes are lack of personal initiative to stand and to walk, and obesity.

Control of wound contraction. Basic and clinical features

Although a substantial amount of molecular and cellular data have been generated in an effort to understand the process of wound contraction and scar contracture formation, questions remain. What seems apparent is that the myofibroblast is not the only cell that generates contractile forces within wounds, but it does appear to be intrinsically linked to the development of hypertrophic scars. The supposition that the formation of scar contractures is solely the result of a continuation of wound contraction is an oversimplification. Figure 4 provides a model of the possible evolution of contractile forces during the wound healing process and their role in the development of scar contractures. Migration of fibroblasts into and through the extracellular matrix during the initial phase of wound healing, prior to the expression of alpha-SMA, appears to be a fundamental component of wound contraction. During this migration, the pulling of collagen fibrils into a streamlined pattern in their wake, and the associated production of collagenase, may facilitate a more normal arrangement of collagen. Once the wound has been repopulated and the chemotactic gradient that was established by inflammatory cells is decreased, fibroblast migration will cease. It is at this point that myofibroblasts appear and play a key role in the production of hypertrophic scars, given that their prolonged presence and over-representation are hallmarks of this pathology. One of the pivotal differences between wounds that proceed to normal scar compared with those that develop hypertrophic scars and scar contractures may be a lack (or late induction) of myofibroblast apoptotic cell death. The combined contribution of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts to abnormal extracellular matrix protein production results in an excessive and rigid scar. The isometric application of contractile forces by myofibroblasts probably contributes to the formation of the whorls, nodules, and scar contractures characteristic of hypertrophic scars. Because the prolonged presence of myofibroblasts, producing an imbalance in extracellular matrix proteins and proteases, probably exacerbates hypertrophic scars and wound contraction, accelerating the rate of apoptotic cell death to reduce the cell number to that seen in normal scar may be a useful strategy for providing effective and efficient treatment of scar contracture.

Quadricepsplasty after war fractures

Knee movements after fractures caused by explosive devices, as well as after intra-articular fractures of the knee, are often inadequate. This paper presents the results of quadriceps-plasty performed in 10 patients with the purpose of improving knee function. All of the patients were treated by the external fixation method, either after femoral fractures caused by explosive devices or for intra-articular knee fractures. All of them manifested markedly decreased knee flexion (15-70 degrees, with an average of 32 degrees). After quadricepsplasty and physical therapy, the achieved knee flexion was enough for normal walking (80-130 degrees, average 97.5 degrees). Mean knee mobility was increased 65.5 degrees. Our paper presents indications, methods, results, and complications for quadricepsplasty performed after war injuries.

A mechanical arthrometer to measure knee joint contracture in rats

Animal models for joint diseases are necessary for in vivo studies. Joint contractures are characterized by lack of the normal range of motion of a joint most often due to increased soft tissue stiffness. Biological and biochemical data have been obtained but biomechanical data on small animals are rare. An instrument was developed to measure rat knee angular displacement at various soft tissue loads in normal and pathological circumstances. This article describes the instrument and reports its reproducibility and accuracy. The reproducibility and accuracy of this instrument was found to be acceptable thereby validating its use for research purposes with adult rat knees.

A case of congenital inverse Duane's retraction syndrome

Inverse Duane's retraction syndrome is very uncommon. Congenital cases are even more unusual. A 6-year-old girl with convergent squint along with severe restriction on abduction is described. On attempted abduction, a narrowing of the palpebral fissure, upshoot and retraction of the eyeball were observed. Brain and orbit MRI demonstrated no intracranial or intraorbital mass, fracture, or entrapment of the medial rectus. Forced duction test was strongly positive. The primary lesion was found to be a tight medial rectus with shortening and soft tissue contracture. Surgical tenotomy of the medial rectus led to successful postoperative motility, but some limitation at full adduction and abduction persisted. This is a case reported with congenital medial rectus shortening, suggesting that this condition may be one of the etiologies of the rare inverse Duane's retraction syndrome.

Synovial adhesions are more important than pannus proliferation in the pathogenesis of knee joint contracture after immobilization: an experimental investigation in the rat

OBJECTIVE

To measure intraarticular pannus proliferation after early and prolonged joint immobility using an animal model.

METHODS

Forty rats underwent unilateral immobilization of a knee joint with an internal fixator for periods of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 weeks. Twenty rats received sham surgery. The knee joints were harvested and processed for histological examination. The synovial intima length and the subintimal area were measured on standardized sagittal sections with image analysis software. The measurements were recorded with regard to their location (anterior or posterior; superior or inferior).

RESULTS

Intra and interrater reliabilities for all measurements were > 87.9%. The synovial intima length was smaller in immobilized knees than in controls at all time points. At 4 and 32 weeks, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The differences were marked in the posterior synovium, where the intima length of immobilized knees was significantly smaller than in controls after 4, 8, 16, and 32 weeks of immobilization (p < 0.05). The subintimal area was comparable in immobilized and control knees at all time points.

CONCLUSION

We standardized the quantification of intraarticular pannus in a joint contracture model after immobility of up to 32 weeks' duration. This study revealed a significant decrease in synovial intima length but no change in the subintimal area of immobilized knees compared with controls. The decrease in synovial intima length with immobility suggests that adhesions of synovium villi rather than pannus proliferation are the major pathophysiological changes leading to contracture after immobility.

The medial approach for operative release of post-traumatic contracture of the elbow

We treated post-traumatic contracture of the elbow in 13 consecutive patients (14 elbows) by operative release. Through a single medial approach, the posterior oblique bundle of the medial collateral ligament was resected, followed by posterior and anterior capsulectomies. An additional lateral release through a separate incision was required in only four elbows. The results were assessed at a mean interval of 57 months after operation. Before surgery active extension lacked 43 degrees which improved to 17 degrees after operation. Active flexion before operation was 89 degrees, which improved to 127 degrees. The mean arc of movement increased from 46 degrees to 110 degrees. All 14 elbows showed scarring of the posterior oblique bundle of the medial collateral ligament. Neither the interval from injury to operative release nor the age of the patient affected the results. A medial approach is useful to reveal and excise the pathological changes in the medial collateral ligament. It is a safe and effective route through which to correct post-traumatic contracture of the elbow.

Contractures secondary to immobility: is the restriction articular or muscular? An experimental longitudinal study in the rat knee

OBJECTIVES

To measure articular structures' contribution to the limitation of range of motion after joint immobility.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental, controlled study involving 40 adult rats that had one knee joint immobilized in flexion for durations of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 weeks; 20 rats underwent a sham procedure. The angular displacement was measured both in flexion and extension at three different torques. Myotomy of transarticular muscles allowed isolation of the arthrogenic component of the contracture.

RESULTS

A contracture developed in all immobilized knees. The articular structures were incrementally responsible for the limitation in range of motion (from 12.6 degrees +/-6.7 degrees at 2 weeks to 51.4 degrees +/-5.4 degrees at 32 weeks). The myogenic restriction proportionately decreased over time (from 20.1 degrees +/-8.4 degrees at 2 weeks to only 0.8 degrees +/-7.2 degrees at 32 weeks). The increase in the arthrogenic component of contracture was predominant in extension.

CONCLUSION

This study quantified the increasing role of arthrogenic changes in limiting the range of motion of joints after immobility, especially as the period of immobility extended past 2 weeks. These data provide a better understanding of joint contracture development and can be used to guide therapeutic approaches.

Microsurgical combined scapular/parascapular flap for reconstruction of severe neck contracture: case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE

The reconstruction for severe neck contracture is difficult, because it may include not only the necessity the use of a large flap but also the ability for three-dimensional movement of the neck.

METHODS

A 41-year-old woman sustained a severe neck contracture with retraction of the lower lip and limited range of neck motion after a chemical burn. We used the combined scapular/parascapular flap to reconstruct the soft-tissue defect in the neck after excision of hypertrophic scar and release of contracture. The scapular portion was transferred to cover the defect vertically, and the parascapular portion was transferred to cover the transverse portion of the neck. This kind of design would allow the patient to move her neck more easily.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, the range of motion of the neck was full in the vertical and horizontal directions after 6 months of rehabilitation. Also, the patient was satisfied with the final aesthetic results.

CONCLUSION

The microsurgical combined scapular/parascapular flap, providing a large area of tissue for coverage in three dimensions with a reliable blood supply by only one pedicle anastomosis during surgery, is a good option for reconstruction of the severe neck contracture. We classify the inset of the combined scapular/parascapular flap into three types with six subtypes, according to the location of defects and the relation of the parascapular flap to the scapular flap.

[Retrospective study of 23 arthrolyses of the elbow for post-traumatic stiffness: result predicting factors]

INTRODUCTION

The goal of the study was to determine the results of elbow arthrolysis for post-traumatic stiffness, and to identify factors governing the result of that procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1984 and 1997, 26 elbow arthrolysis were performed. Twenty-three patients were retrospectively assessed by an independent examiner, 3 patients were lost for follow-up. The mean age at surgery was 41 years. The traumatisms responsible for stiffness were: 5 elbow dislocations, 7 radial head fractures, 3 olecranon fractures, 8 humeral palette fractures. The surgical approach was 2 times posterior, 9 times lateral, 12 times combined (posterior and lateral). The surgical approach was chosen according to the preoperative analysis of the stiffness factors and the scars in case of previous surgery.

RESULTS

At follow-up (85 months (12-144)), 5 patients were very satisfied, 17 patients were satisfied and one patient was not satisfied. Six patients had discomfort in daily gesture. Ten patients had no pain, 6 had pain while effort and 7 had climatic pain. Two ulnar palsies existing at arthrolysis did not improve after neurolysis and anterior ulnar nerve transposition. Range of motion increased in every sector of mobility, and at follow-up mean ROM was: 121 degrees flexion, -31 degrees extension, 69 degrees pronation and 65 degrees supination. The average absolute benefit in flexion-extension was about 38 degrees. The average relative (flexion-extension) benefit according to Merle d'Aubigné was about 44%. At follow-up, the average pronation-supination was higher than 100 degrees. The range of motion was not correlated to the type of injury, to the surgical management, nor to the type of rehabilitation program. Likewise, the delay between traumatism and arthrolysis had no influence on the result. On the other hand, the range of motion was directly correlated to the preoperative mobility and mobility obtained just after surgery (p = 0.001). However, the range of motion at follow-up was slightly decreased (5 degrees to 15 degrees) compared to the mobility obtained just after surgery.

DISCUSSION

The final range of motion was mainly related to the severity of the preoperative stiffness. We noticed that few patients were bothered in daily gestures, in spite of a relative stiffness. The type of injury did not seem to influence the final result. Elbow arthrolysis remains a mobilizing technique giving reliable long-lasting results.

CONCLUSION

The range of motion obtained after arthrolysis performed because of elbow post-traumatic contracture is mainly related to preoperative stiffness. By comparing with postoperative range of motion, a loss of 5 degrees to 10 degrees can be predicted.

Extent and direction of joint motion limitation after prolonged immobility: an experimental study in the rat

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypotheses that contractures progress at different rates in relation to the time after immobilization, that immobilization in flexion leads to loss of extension range of motion, and that joints of sham-operated animals are better controls than the contralateral joint of experimental animals.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental, controlled study in which 40 adult rats had one knee joint immobilized at 135 degrees of flexion for up to 32 weeks and 20 animals underwent a sham procedure. At intervals of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 weeks, 8 experimental and 4 sham-operated animals were killed and their knee motion measured in flexion and extension.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, the range of motion decreased in the first 16 weeks of immobility at an average rate of 3.8 degrees per week (p<.0001) to reach 61.1 degrees of restriction. A plateau was then observed from which the contracture did not progress further. The loss in range of motion occurred in extension, not in flexion.

CONCLUSION

This study defined an acute stage of contractures starting at the onset of immobility and lasting 16 weeks, during which the range of motion was progressively restricted, and a chronic stage during which no additional limitation was detected. The loss in motion was attributed to posterior knee structures not under tension during immobilization in flexion. Contrary to the hypothesis, the contralateral joint was validated as a control choice for range-of-motion experiments.